Press Release

Cheaper parking for greener cars

May 2008

Local resident Jean Bettenson was celebrating becoming the first person to benefit from the new green estate parking charges.

In 2007 Islington Council introduced green parking permit charges for the public road that vary according to each vehicles carbon emission (Co2) rating or engine size. The system is based on the 7 Carbon Emission Bands used by the DVLA.

HFI has now introduced similar changes to estate parking permits, based on carbon emissions. These came into effect from April 2008.

Mrs Bettenson from the Caledonian Estate rents a parking space from HFI and in April was issued with her new two-year permit. Her car is in Band A, reducing her rent by 50% to £97.76 per year – just £1.88 per week. To celebrate the new scheme Mrs Bettenson won £100 in vouchers.

The cost of estate parking bays, cages or garages is based on the carbon emission rating. Holders of disability parking Blue Badges are entitled to discounts of 50% or 100%, depending on the level of Disability Living Allowance that they receive.

The new charges will apply from the date of issue of a new permit. Customers who already rent a parking space or garage can take advantage of the new scheme now do not need to wait for the expiry of their existing permit they can contact their Area Housing Office at any time to renew permit.

Eamon McGoldrick, HFI’s Chief executive said: “We are committed to helping make Islington a greener borough. These parking changes mean residents, like Mrs Bettenson, can now enjoy savings in parking charges for owning smaller and more environmentally friendly cars which is both good for residents and ultimately good for the environment.”

Cllr Terry Stacy, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety said: "We think people who park on estates will welcome these changes and we applaud Homes for Islington's action on this important issue.

"The council's own experience with green parking charges shows people are ready to make changes around the car they drive to help the environment and save money."

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact James Asser in the HFI communications team on 020 7527 4379 or email james.asser@homesforislington.org.uk

Notes to editors:

Homes for Islington, one of the UK’s largest arms length management organisations (ALMO), which began operations in April 2004, is charged with managing council housing stock throughout the borough. It is owned by Islington Council and managed by a Board of Directors, made up of Islington tenants and leaseholders, council representatives and independent members.

Picture of Mrs Bettenson with Cllr Stacy and Eamon McGoldrick (jpeg file 4.13Mb)